Looking for alternatives to a university education?
Look no more! Here are 10 reasons to study for the Professional Business Diploma at Oxford Media & Business School, enrolling now for September intake!
1. We provide a nurturing environment for our students
We are a small business school with a nurturing environment for our students. Students are split into small group sizes of less than fifteen, delivering a more personal learning experience versus large lecture theatres. Our teaching staff have a desire to see every student succeed and get to know them as individuals.
Unlike other higher education colleges, 1-1 tutor support is available when needed and students can book into sessions as and when they need to throughout the academic year. Students also have a nominated tutor to support them throughout their time with us, discussing grades, and potential barriers to learning or providing more pastoral support where necessary.
2. We provide students with a structured learning week
Our students spend over 20 hours per week in lessons, in contrast to many university courses which can be less than 10 hours per week in lectures. This provides a full structure for their week from Monday until Friday, and their attendance is monitored as part of the course. Students are expected to achieve a minimum of 80% to pass and a minimum of 95% attendance for the top award.
3. The Professional Business Diploma can fast-track students into the workplace!
Three years of study and debt at university isn’t for everyone in the current economic times. OMBS students regularly secure employment before they even graduate due to our longstanding relationships with some of the most progressive London recruitment agencies. The average starting salary for our students can range from £24-£28,000, with many securing employment through our Alumni network.
4. Live the university life in the cultural city of Oxford!
Living the student life in the beautiful city of Oxford is another fantastic reason to come and study at OMBS. We are centrally located and just a stone’s throw away from famous Oxford landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera, Christchurch Meadows, and the Ashmolean Museum, as well as being close to central shops, cafes, parks, and restaurants.
The city has a student population of 42,000, which means there is always plenty of nightlife and events for students to take part in. For students who are passionate about sport, there are numerous sporting facilities locally located. There is something for everyone in Oxford, whether it is shopping, eating, sport or culture. Read more about what the city has to offer in our blog here.
5. We teach practical employment skills that give students a competitive edge
At OMBS we teach practical workplace skills that we know employers want! We regularly survey employers and work closely with recruitment agencies to ensure we are teaching our students relevant and up-to-date business skills for the workplace.
Our course modules are refined and updated regularly to give our students the best chance of securing the jobs they deserve. In January 2023 we introduced the full-time Event Management module covering all aspects of Events ranging from health and safety knowledge to learning about planning and organisational tools. This module is proving to be extremely popular!
6. We focus on personal development as well as academic performance
As well as supporting our students with their academic learning we also help them develop their personal skills. Our Personal Development Planning module helps our students understand their personality type through Myers Briggs profiling and allows them to gain a deep understanding of their learning style. They learn about the nine Belbin Team Roles and take part in practical teamwork tasks that simulate the workplace.
7. Practical assistance to gain employment is a key focus area
We support our student’s progression into the workplace in a number of ways. In the first term they are taught to write standout CVs that will get them noticed at the job application stage. We also help them find a work experience placement week in a sector that interests them in the third term (these can often lead to employment offers), in addition to supporting them to have a standout Linkedin personal profile in their Digital Marketing module. Throughout the year they are also invited to attend inspiring talks by past students and employers talking about their careers within different sectors and industries.
8. Student accommodation can also be provided
OMBS can also support students by providing them with accommodation alongside the course. We own several well maintained houses within short distances from the college where students can live and socialise together. Each house has between 4-6 students who have their own private bedroom and share the bathroom, kitchen and living facilities. Some houses also have en-suite facilities.
9.We provide continued support beyond graduation
Even beyond graduation, we continue to support our students. Our Tutors still offer advice and regularly answer questions from graduates who have got in touch. Our Principal Andrea frequently gives advice on CV’s, career progression and employment opportunities!
10. You’ll be a part of our engaged alumni
We also have a proactive alumni that offers incredible networking opportunities. Past students keep in touch with one another and in some cases have established businesses together. Great employment opportunities are regularly shared and graduates support each other with finding work and sharing employment experiences.
If we haven’t convinced you already, come and meet us in Oxford and discover for yourself that OMBS is a warm, friendly, productive, relevant, and progressive business school in the heart of Oxford. We hold regular Open Days each term but we also welcome inquiries and visits at any time in the year.
To make an appointment with our Registrar click here and we will be in touch.